The European Committee of Social Rights and Environmental Protection

This paper explores the role of the European Social Charter and the European Committee of Social Rights in addressing environmental concerns through the lens of social rights protection. While the European Social Charter does not explicitly guarantee the right to a healthy environment, its provisions, particularly those relating to health, housing, just, safe and healthy conditions of work and vulnerable populations, have been interpreted by the European Committee of Social Rights as encompassing environmental issues. Through its monitoring mechanisms, especially the collective complaints procedure, the Committee has developed a body of decisions that indirectly contribute to the recognition of environmental rights. This study critically examines how these developments enhance environmental protection within the broader framework of social justice and human dignity.